Deployment

It’s finally time for your service member to come home, and the buildup couldn’t be more exciting –  you’ve both been dreaming about this moment for so long. You’ve made it to this point, which means you’ve managed to get through deployment in your own way. Even so, reunion and reintegration may have their own challenges.  Understanding what’s ahead, being prepared and managing expectations are key components to success.  Here are some tips for planning a memorable and successful reunion.

No one wants to consider the possibility of an emergency during deployment. But if one happens – in the field or at home – the best thing you can do is be prepared. There are many resources to help you deal with the unexpected, including support from Military OneSource. Familiarize yourself with the help that’s available, so you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency.

As part of the military community, chances are that you’ve heard the term “OPSEC”, or operations security. Simply put, OPSEC means being careful about what is said and done in front of others in order to protect you, your family and your service members from those that can do harm. No matter how small some words and actions may seem, enemies of the military may be able to piece together certain information and learn something that could jeopardize you or your service member’s safety.

Each situation is different, and every child may react differently. Understanding how to support children during deployment begins with paying close attention to their reactions and using available resources when needed.

The greatest morale builder for deployed service members is hearing from family and loved ones. You can stay connected and keep your relationship strong until everyone is reunited. Whether you’re a significant other, parent, family member or friend of a deployed service member, the following tips and ideas can help you stay in touch during deployment.

Deployment extensions can happen, and when they do, it can be difficult for everyone — including your deployed service member. Here are some tips that may help if you and your family are faced with an extension.

You’ve prepared for deployment and seen your service member off — so what’s next? As challenging as this time may seem, it’s also a great opportunity to focus on yourself, your relationships and what’s important to you. Here are some suggestions to help you live positively, stay grounded and handle separation during deployment.

Deployments can be hard on everyone, including family and loved ones. There are a lot of unknowns, and that can be difficult to handle. Staying up-to-date on your service member’s deployment can ease some of the uncertainty you may be feeling. Fortunately, there are many ways to get the information you need throughout deployment. Here are six ways to stay informed during deployment.